feet

by krina
(uk south london)

i have blister marks at the bacl of my feet from rubbing shoes a few small corns and a few darker toenails i trained as a dancer for many years and would like to feel confident about takin my shoes of and wearing sandals what treatments are available for these problems

Hi Krina,

All the problems you mention with your feet are a result of wearing shoes and dancing. If you are still dancing there is very little you can do about the problems. This is a common problem among all "athletes".
If you are no longer dancing, then wear sensible shoes that do not create pressure points and that should cut down on the corns and blisters.
As far as the discolored nails go, you will need to see a foot specialist for treatment as discolored nails in most cases do not remedy themselves.

Marc Mitnick DPM

DISCLAIMER The information provided here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice by a licensed health care provider. The only way you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment is by physical examination by a doctor along with a proper medical history and any needed tests. Without a proper evaluation it is impossible for any health care provider to give accurate information. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you read on this site or any other medical related site.

foot pain

I have been treated for neuroma between 2nd and 3rd toe for past 9 mo.
It is now clear to my orthopedic foot surgeon, that the conditon is actually
a 2nd toe capsulitis. He wants to include bunion surgery (on same foot) at the same time he corrects 2nd toe crossing over big toe. (2nd toe actually dislocated)
I have no pain in the big toe, what so ever. I have a mild bunion condition.
My philosophy is " if it does't hurt, don't cut". His philosophy is correct the unsymptomatic, mild bunion, at the same he corrects 2nd toe, because it's there, and probably had some bearing on the capsulitis of the 2nd toe any way.
I would appreciate pros/cons either way.
Michelle

Hi Michelle,
When you stand up if your big toe goes under the second toe, then you might have to consider bunion surgery as it is part of your capsulitis problem. If the big toe does not go under the second toe, in general, I do not operate on the bunion. I agree that something is not broken, then don't fix it.
The problem is that in theory correcting the asymptomatic bunion would make sense, but your doctor cannot make the guarantee that the bunion will not become problematic after the surgery. (stiffness, swelling, pain).
BUT, if the big toe is going under the second toe, then it is part of the problem and unfortunately will have to be fixed.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot problem

by Ryan
(Ardmore, Oklahoma)

I had a stress fracture in my second meta-tarsel from too much barefoot running, i quit running and its been about a month and a half since ive ran, iv been doing r.i.c.e. everyday and i still have some pain in my foot, i can run with no pain but i have extremely mild pain when i walk and in the mornings. what should i do? can i run distance again?

Hi Ryan,
I am assuming you are young and healthy and even in the best case scenario, most broken bones at a minimum take six weeks to heal, so it seems to me you have started running way too soon. By doing so there is a chance you may have aggravaged the "break" and will continue to have pain.
Even though you followed the RICE regimen it does not sound like you properly immobilized the foot and so I am a little concerned that you may have worsened the fracture.
My advice would be to go get another xray and have it compared to the first to see whether or not healing is actually taking place.

Marc Mitnick DPM

foot

by tom kirk
(England)

i have two problems with my feet. first its that they blister really easily . and secondly by big toenail falls off often. i play rugby and without the aid of people standing on my feet they bruise up and eventually will fall off. however this year it is worse i have jest had my first training session on the season and already underneath the nails of both of my big toes have gone black. is this a actual problem or do i just have goofy feat. because its the one thing that is always hurting

Tom,
I think your nail problem is the price you pay for playing rugby. I see this in a lot of athletes particularly runners, from nothing more than the large toe continually jamming into the end of the shoe and being lifted up until it starts to bleed underneath and eventually falls off.

I won't even discuss the aspect of people stepping on your foot.

You could try a slightly longer shoe as well as taping the nail down onto the toe, starting from the top of the toe, forward over the nail and then down the bottom of the toe. Also keep your nails cut short.

Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain

by bre
(el cajon )

well i was chasing my lil puppy around the house and my pinky toe got cought on the wall and i didnt realize it and i ran and it kinda snapped and my foot got swallen i dont no how to spell it sorry ! but i hurts and it has been 4 days sence it has happend and like the pain is like 24/7 i can walk on it but it hurts?? and i have a bruise on my foot i dont no if i should go to the hospital and get x rays or wut

Hi Bre,
You need an xray to see if the toe is broken, that is the only way to tell.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain

My left foot has been turning red and throbbing with pain for the last week, This only seems to happen when I have been lying down for a period of time. When I get up it hurts to walk on, but as I walk a little longer it seems to get better, then when I lay down again for a long period of time, it happens again. The pain seems to be on the right inside part of my foot, while my foot is throbbing it is sore to touch too, but again this only seems to be happening while I'm resting. I have not injured this foot at all, what could be causing this? I am only 32, I have had no major health issues, and I am only 10 pounds over weight.

Hi,
Your foot should not be turning red when you are at rest. Even though you are only 32 the symptoms are suggestive of a circulation problem. My advice would be to make an immediate appointment with a doctor and have your foot looked at. It does not sound like something you should put off.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Foot pain

I have bipartite sesamoids that sometimes flare into sesamoiditis. I've had a bout recently, and while taking ibuprofen, I've been walking (slowly in order not to bend my toes upward) on the outside of my foot keeping my toes fairly flat. It is getting better, but this morning I woke up with sharp pains that emanate from the very top slightly inside part of the top of my foot, just in front of the inside ankle bone. It is tender to touch this one point, and different foot motions cause sharp pains. Is this because I've been walking weirdly?

Hi,
My first thought would be to agree with you. A lot of times when we force ourselves to walk differently to avoid pain, this can create other pains. If there is no history of trauma then I think it is safe to assume your new pain is a result of your altered gait.
Just be careful that you do not make your new pain worse by walking differently to cure your sesamoiditis.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain after MN/hammertoe surgery

Last August I had surgery for a Morton's Neuroma and two hammertoes and after several weeks I seemed to be getting better. My ortho sent me to a physical therapist who was extremely aggressive and the pain got much worse after that. After many doctor visits, x-rays and MRI's the only suggestion offered by the surgeon was to take the screws out. Not feeling totally convinced I went to a podiatrist who was recommended to me and he did a CT scan and discovered that the toes originally broken during surgery were still broken (or possibly rebroken by the PT). My new doctor is telling me that because of this non-union he needs to go in and remove the screws and remove the joints (metatarsal heads) and I might be left with a limp. Can you offer any suggestions if this is the way to go? I am only 51 years old and don't want to walk with a limp for the rest of my life but I also don't want to spend the rest of my life in a Bledsoe boot because it is causing my hip to hurt!

Hi,
I am not sure why the second doctor wants to remove your metatarsal heads. I am assuming when you mention screws, these screws are in the middle of the toe and if your pain is coming from the middle of the toe then the screws should be removed.
If you are still having neuroma type pain, then I would first think along the lines of a "stump neuroma", (read my section on Morton's neuroma) in which case removing the metatarsal heads would not be my first choice.
Since I cannot examine you, I am kind of grabbing at straws, so my best advice would be to get another opinion, particularly if you are contemplating further surgery.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain

by Helen
(NH)

I had bunion and hammertoe surgery Nov. 1. During this two week wait before I see the doctor tomorrow I have have no pain except for a feeling of stabbing tingling numbness of all my toes. Can you please tell me if this is normal and what can be done to stop the feeling.

Hi Helen,
The most common cause of tingling this soon after surgery is usually from the dressing being too tight. Swelling after surgery, is a normal occurrence and once this occurs, it may make the dressing too tight.
In spite of that, make sure you mention the tingling to your doctor just to make sure nothing else is going on.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Foot pain

by Jenny
(Columbus, Indiana, US)

about 2 weeks ago my foot started hurting. The pain im having is the inside of the bottom of my foot. it's where my heel and arch come together. The pain isn't all the time. I don't notice it to much when getting up in the morning or getting up from standing. I walk in the evenings and after the walk is when it hurts the most. the pain doesn't go away, but it does linger into the next day. it hurts when walking and that foot is strechted out. It's sore to point and and to flex it. I try to massage it from left to right and it does feel good after I get through hurt of rubbing it. It's sore from well below my inside ankle a just inside my arch and the start of my heel.

Hi Jenny,
The first thing that comes to mind would be an irritation of the tendon that attaches into the inside of the foot in an effort to maintain the height of the arch. This would tend to hurt the more you walk as it is being constantly stretched.
I would suggest you add a good arch support to your shoes and try that for a short time as the arch support will relieve the tension on the tendon.
If that does not help, then I would suggest you see a podiatrist.
Find a Podiatrist Near You

Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain

by Faith
(Spring Hill,TN.,USA.)

I have a walking boot the doctor gave to me and some cruches but they dont know what is woung with my foot i can't put any prusher on it or it will hurt and i can not move it the boot is not doing anything at all what should i do?

Hi Faith,
The answer is simple; get a second opinion. If your doctor readily admits that he or she is not sure what is wrong with you, then perhaps a different doctor will be able to make a diagnosis and you will be that much quicker in relieving your pain.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain

I have a small bump on the left side of my right foot. The first couple of steps or after i've been sitting for awhile is very painful for the first couple of steps. Also if you apply pressure to the bump it causes pain. This has been going on for a couple of weeks and im not sure if i need to go to a foot doctor or not.

Hi,
Any bump that is abnormal in nature should be examined by a doctor to determine if any thing need be done. Many bumps can be left alone, others such as yours which hurts will probably need some sort of treatment. Others which may be suspicious in nature should be removed and biopsied.
Make an appointment with a foot specialist and have the bump examined.

Marc Mitnick DPM

a href="https://www.foot-pain-explained.com/podiatrist.html">Find a Podiatrist Near You

Foot pain

by Loki
(Mission Hills, CA)

Low top shoes cause me pain on the top of my foot where ever I tie them, I've tried tying them looser and in different places, looser make the pain go away but my shoes fall off and different placed just move the pain.

Hi Loki,
You may have a midtarsal fault and associated nerve irritation. Read my section on "midtarsal fault". You may either try changing your shoe style or better yet, see a podiatrist who should be able to give you some relief.
Find a Podiatrist Near You

Marc Mitnick DPM

foot pain for 13 years

by rich berrett
(fresno ca)

in 1987 I taught in London England and walked many miles in that exciting city each day. After a few months I began to awake during the night with foot pain. I have extremely flat feet and believe it plays a part. (see picture though my weight is not on this foot during my pointing to the place of pain) Upon my return I have visited two highly recommended podiatrists in Fresno, where I live. I have also visited two highly regarded movement specialists. Four different orthotics, each expensive, were the result... unfortunately an end to the pain was not the outcome. Each night i awaken and for the past several weeks each step I take is painful. The pain that I feel during the day includes both the top and the bottom of foot. At night the pain is more from the top of my foot. By placing my finger on my inside ankle bone and moving at an angle toward the ball of my foot at about 1 1/2 inch from the ankle bone the pain begins. (see pic) The pain continues down toward my toes, includes the side and bottom of my foot. It is a constant ache but also a sharp pain periodically as I step or during the night, needless to say this chronic unsolved condition is wearing on my well-being. Wow would i like some relief.

Hi Rich,

There are a couple of sources of pain in that area generally a result of being excessively flat footed.
The first treatment of choice is orthotics, to reduce the pronation or flattening out of the foot. The mistake many people make with orthotics is that they do not wear them enough. While trying to remedy a problem, the patient needs to be wearing orthotics all the time, even when home in the evening (most people kick off their shoes as soon as they get home and spend the next 4-5 hours walking around barefoot).
You can try that for a while and see if it makes a difference; if not I would then recommend an MRI to see if there is a tear in the tendon that attaches into the foot where you are pointing.
Your problem may eventually require a surgical solution.
Marc Mitnick DPM

foot

by Jana
(Carrot River, saskatchewan, Canada)

I was sitting on the back of a golf cart and my foot was dangling off the side and we were reversing when another golf cart came full speed and ran into my foot. it immediately bruised and swelled and i cannot walk on it. i can;t flex forwards or backwards and i cannot walk on my heel. I can move my toes though. I have not gone to the doctor for it yet but would like to know if there is a possible chance some bones are broken and how long approximately they would take to heal.

Thank you

Hi Jana,
Do yourself a favor and get any xray. If there are broken bones, that is the only way to know for sure. Additionally, the type of fracture and the particular bone that is broken will determine how long it will take to heal.

Marc Mitnick DPM

Foot pain

My 7yr old daughter has been waking up in the night due to sever foot pain in her arches. It is frequent and can be either foot. I massage her foot and it doesn't really help. She never complains of it during the day or while out running about. She also suffers from stomach pains frequently at night.

Hi,
Since I do not treat stomach pains I cannot offer any advice on that subject, but as far as her foot pain goes, if the pain is of a cramping nature, that is very common in children of that age range.
During the day while she is very active she is "overstretching" the muscles in the foot and at night these same muscles will go into a spasm from the overstretching during the day, and will cause pain.
You could try something as simple as a good pair of arch supports in her shoes which will prevent her muscles from overstretching (overworking) during the course of the day and then should reduce the cramping at night.
Give it a week or two, if that does not help then you might want to take your daughter to the pediatrician or a podiatrist who will be able to make a more accurate diagnosis.
Marc Mitnick DPM

DISCLAIMER The information provided here is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice by a licensed health care provider. The only way you can get an accurate diagnosis and treatment is by physical examination by a doctor along with a proper medical history and any needed tests. Without a proper evaluation it is impossible for any health care provider to give accurate information. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay treatment because of something you read on this site or any other medical related site.

foot pain

by Brenita
(Australia)

About 2 years ago I twisted my left ankle and ever since I have suffered sharp pain on the outer part of my foot from the front and sides, and sharp heal pain. I had a mri on my foot but the Specialists who I saw said that they could not see anything in the scan, and that the problem would eventualy go away on its own. I have sprained my ankle a few times and always felt that it was the weakest of both my feet. The Podiatrist said that my feet are very unstable and tend to roll to both sides making them prone to injury. the problem is not as chronic as before but is still very painful from time to time.
Thanks I look forward to hearing your opinion
Brenita

Hi Brenita,
The problem with people who repeatedly sprain their ankles (due to excessive motion) is that over time, the ankle ligaments will scar making them chronically painful.
If you are prone to this type of injury, the simple answer would be to wear an ankle support on a regular basis to help prevent twisting the ankle.
Supports come in all shapes and sizes and you should be able to find one that supports but is not too obtrusive.
Marc Mitnick DPM

Foot pain when running

by Sue
(Perth WA Australia)

Whe running this morning after 4 kms I had a sharp pain through my foot starting from the mid underneath through to the inside ankle. It was quite painful. I ran a little more and it came again. And then often. I could not run anymore. I walked the 4 kms home with out any pain. I cannot feel any pain or bruising in the foot. I have had plantar fasiatis before and this is not the same. I have no other symptoms.

Hi Sue,
It could be a number of things including plantar fasciitis. Take a day or two off from running, ice the area, if the pain persists the next time you attempt to run, then you will need to see a podiatrist.
Marc Mitnick DPM

feet pain

by Kelly
(Alabama)

I am a 49 year old woman. I have had foot pain for about 20 years now. It is worse now and I can't go very long on them without it hurting and I have to sit down. It hurts on bottom, top, outside and inside, in my toes, all over!!!! When Im sitting or in bed they throb, hurt and itch! I have been to 3 different doctors and they all give me shoe inserts. That does not work!!! I have little grandchildren I want to play with and I can't!! I wish I could get them fixed! Maybe I need surgery!
Kelly

Hi Kelly,
When people complain of generalized foot pain an orthotic is usually the first line of defense. Apparently that has not helped you.
Assuming you are not having generalized musculo-skeletal pain all over your body, you may have to consider having some degree of foot surgery.
The problem in these situations is knowing what to correct in an effort to alleviate all the pain in the foot.
Hook yourself up with a foot specialist, have a good workup and see if surgery is an option.
Marc Mitnick DPM

severe foot pain

by Shane
(Champlin, MN)

Hi, my name is shane. Its been about 3 weeks of pain now. It is in both feet. It gets worse as the day goes on. Dont bother me at all unless Im wearing shoes or putting pressure on my feet. In bed they are fine. There is no obvious swelling or red skin. I do have a hard callus area under the pinky toe, not on the pinky toe or joint but below it and almost on the side of foot. When I touch the area it hurts like crazy. Not only is this on one foot, but both feet in the same spot.
Its getting hard to even stand for a short period of time or wear shoes. Im a male 34 years of age. I did buy a new pair of shoes and thick soles but It never got better. Any Ideas?

Hi Shane,
Pain in the location you mention can be caused by a number of problems. The simplest could be nothing more than a callus, or perhaps a callus with a cystic growth inside of it like a porokeratosis or a wart.
Next in line might be an inflamed bursal sac (bursitis) that is very common in that area of the foot.
Because you mention there is a callus in the area I have to assume the pain is coming from the callus and possible cystic growth within the callus.
All the possible conditions I mention are readily treatable by a podiatrist, so if this problem is painful enough I would suggest you find a podiatrist in your area.
Marc Mitnick DPM